Elected officials view court ruling with stark difference

On June 29, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the Obama Administration’s landmark legislative achievement, the Affordable Care Act, on a 5-4 vote.

Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts, rendering the majority decision on the controversial individual health insurance mandate, concluded the provision was indeed permissible as part of the federal government’s taxing authority.

“The Affordable Care Act’s requirement that certain individuals pay a financial penalty for not obtaining health insurance may reasonably be characterized as a tax,” Roberts wrote. “Because the Constitution permits such a tax, it is not our role to forbid it, or to pass upon its wisdom or fairness.”

One of the most outspoken critics of the federal law, Republican 6th District Congresswoman Michele Bachmann, blasted the court’s decision on CNN.

“It really is a turning point in American history,” Bachmann said.”This is an activist court you saw today”

Bachmann characterized the judicial logic that the individual mandate was permissible as “bizarre.”

She called it “a denial of liberty,” and spoke of the ballot box as the only remedy left to opponents of so-called Obamacare.

Jim Abeler, R-Anoka and chair of the House Health and Human Services Finance Committee, expressed disappointment over the ruling.

“It’s a great ruling if money would fall from the sky,” said Abeler.

Abeler views the health care law as emblematic of out-of-control federal spending, a gushing of borrowed money for which he blames Republicans and Democrats alike.

Additionally, Abeler views the affordable Care Act as tightening federal control on the states.

Second District Republican Congressman John Kline expressed dismay over the ruling.

“The Supreme Court’s decision is a devastating blow to the American people,” Kline said in a statement. “If Washington can penalize private citizens for failing to buy government-approved health insurance, then there is no reasonable limit on federal power.”

“The ruling signifies real progress and important protection for citizens across Minnesota,” read her statement.

“2014 will be a really big year,” said Jesson, explaining that major elements of the act, such as health insurance exchanges, should be in place.

Jesson indicated that she believed most Americans, assised by elements in the legislation, would willingly take steps to insure they’re covered.

“Minnesota has always been a national leader in health care and the administration will continue efforts to increase quality and improve access to insurance and affordable care will continue,” the statement read.

Former Republican U.S. senator David Durenberger, founder and current chair of the National Institute of Health Policy at the University of St. Thomas, explained that while the Affordable Care Act isn’t a flawless piece of legislation, it’s pretty good.

It reflects evolving wisdom and consensus over health care gained over past decades.

“All these things are coming together now,” Durenberger said. “The law is the reward,” he said.

“It’s got everything we’ve been looking for,” Durenberger said.

Well defined national health care policy goals are found in the bill, he explained.